McCoy rode Shutthefrontdoor to victory at Carlisle – and the six-year-old could now be part of owner JP McManus’ Cheltenham Festival team. The 17-times champion had to be at his strongest to get Shutthefrontdoor (9-2) to outpoint Ardkilly Witness by half a length and complete a hat-trick.

The pair drew nine lengths clear of the remainder.

Shutthefrontdoor, who has had just the four runs over jumps, has several Cheltenham options, including the Pertemps Final, the Coral Cup and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. Shutthefrontdoor was given a 14-1 quote for the Pertemps by Paddy Power.

Eduard, who started at 1-8 and is another Cheltenham possible, trotted up in the Exhibitions At Carlisle Racecourse Novices’ Hurdle.

He was given quotes of 40-1 for both the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdles at the Festival.